Mind Your Language: Easy essay writing tips from an English teacher

To write a good essay, one of the primary things to keep in mind is its format. It also determines the flow of the piece you write. But first, let us understand what an essay is.  

“An essay is a written composition giving expression to one’s ideas and opinions on some topic. The essays written by the students are trial exercises or attempts to express their thoughts in good English,” says Harpreet Kaur, educator- English Department, Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar.

We may divide an essay into three parts – introduction, the body of the essay, and conclusion. But what are these sections all about and how do you write them?

The English teacher explains each of the sub-parts of an essay below:

Introduction: This must be brief and should be able to hold the reader’s attention. It can be a definition, proverb, a quotation, or a remark related to the topic.

Body: This is really the essay itself. Before writing, read and understand the topic, collect information about it, make an outline, and note down the important details so that you do not miss out on any crucial detail.

Conclusion: Just as the introduction of the essay should arouse interest, the conclusion should satisfy it. An effective end to an essay is as important as an arresting beginning. An abrupt ending may spoil the whole effect of the essay. A good conclusion may consist of summing up the arguments of the essay. It may end with a suitable quotation.

How to write an essay

Now that you have understood the three important sections that make up an essay, let’s see how you can write it. Here’s what the teacher suggests:

• Once you think that you have collected enough material for your essay or you can’t think of any more points, read over the notes you have jotted down. Select the points most suitable for your purpose.
• Read the points again and start writing. Organise your thoughts in a logical order. Now you should be ready to write the essay.
• The language and sentence construction should be simple, direct, and natural. Clear writing comes with clear thinking.
• Do not write in a haphazard manner; the essay should follow a certain line of thought and come to a definite conclusion. It should not consist of haphazard reflections that have been put down.
• School essays should not be long. The word limit should be followed.
• To sum up, a direct and forceful style in writing calls for constant practice. It does not come naturally to all. Be perfectly clear in what you want to say and then say it as directly, simply, and concisely as possible.
• Be simple, don’t attempt any oratory or flowery language. Use simple words and constructions.

Summary of the procedure

1. Clearly define your subject in your mind.
2. Think over it, jot the points down on paper as they come to you, number them.
3. Classify these points in groups under suitable headings.
4. Arrange the headings in an outline.
5. Now write the essay by dividing it into paragraphs.